STEM Woman Leader of the Day- Colleen Payne (MCI Diagnostics)

Colleen Payne, Founder and CEO, Mobile Cardiac Imaging, LLC

 

Colleen is a “serial entrepreneur” who has founded six successful companies and is the owner of several businesses. She is founder and CEO of Mobile Cardiac Imaging, LLC, one of the most successful and well-positioned companies in the medical industry and was listed with Inc. Magazine as one of the 5000 Fastest-Growing Private Companies America in 2007, 2008 and 2009. Payne has written numerous leadership and business articles, and has been featured in many publications, including Washington G2, Black Enterprise, Influence Magazine, and Inc. Magazine. Payne has appeared on national and local television with segments on Fox News, ABC, CBS and NBC. She was also named as one of Tulsa’s Most Influential People in 2008, was the SBA’s Oklahoma´s Small Business Person of the year in 2007 and was selected as Business Innovator of the Year in 2003 by Black Enterprise Magazine.

 

Why do you believe STEM Education and Workforce are important to our Nation?

 

Because Science is one of the most fascinating aspects of the universe, it encompasses everything significant about the lives we lead day to day.  STEM creates, stimulate and grows the mind, body and soul of a person. STEM is important because it will create the next level of critical thinkers and innovators of the next generation.

 

What traits do senior leaders need to effectively support and advance STEM today?

 

Senior leaders need to be critical thinker and innovators that create momentum and pushes the next generation of STEM leaders forward.

 

What principles do you, as a leader; apply to your professional and personal life to advance the STEM cause?

 

The critical principle that I apply for the advancement of STEM is supporting the next generation of leaders coming up the ladder in STEM, providing and sharing information and support about the importance of STEM and why STEM is a valuable initiative.

 

What can we do to assure more women leaders in STEM?

 

The education of women is one of the most important issues facing women not only in our great nation but around the world,  education for women in STEM is not only one of our biggest challenges but, it will be one of our most successful challenges with STEM initiatives. Dr. Johnetta Cole once said, “When you educate a man you educate and individual, when you educate a Woman you educate a whole family”.

 

Who is your STEM role Model?

 

My ninth grade Math teacher, I was so impressed that she demonstrated the skills of being so intelligent, I just admire her for her knowledge and skills in a field I saw as challenging, but she demonstrated in this area with skill and grace.

 

What is your concept of mentoring and sponsorship of others for STEM careers?

 

I am a true advocate of STEM education because we need critical thinkers for the next generation and having those skill sets will continue to allow this great nation to grow and create powerful innovators and leaders.

 

What about STEM gives you Passion?

 

I am STEM, I choose to use STEM as the backdrop of my life, having perused a career in a STEM area as a Nuclear Medicine Technologist.

 

Of what one initiative you are most proud?

 

It is most important that the STEM initiative continues as top priority for this nation. In the science initiative we are seeing more than ever emerging women leaders in Science. We are creating more physicians and scientist due to the STEM science initiative, which is improving our lives as well as our health and wellness.

 

Which Woman Leader do you most admire, and why?

 

Mae Jemison – Originally from a small southern State earned a degree in chemical engineering and Medicine, and later became the first African American women in Space.

 

Check out Colleen Payne's 100 Women Leaders in STEM Profile on STEMconnector.org!